The mountains here seem to embrace the sky and spirituality is deeply ingrained in everyday existence, one can discover here a rare sanctuary for those in pursuit of both thrill and tranquility in the land of high passes, Ladakh. Renowned for its age-old monasteries, sacred traditions, and lively celebrations, the monasteries in Ladakh transcend from being just a place to a spiritual journey. Imagine walking through the ancient halls of Ladakh Monastery, where the resonant hum of monks chanting mantras fills the air. The intricate murals and statues tell tales of Buddhist lore, while the serene courtyards offer a space for quiet reflection. Whether you are a seeker of adventure or a pilgrim of the soul, the monasteries of Ladakh welcome you with open arms and a promise of a transformative experience.
The Arrival of Buddhism in Ladakh
Originally, Emperor Ashoka dispatched missionaries to Leh Ladakh to convert the conflicting populace to Buddhism, yielding varied outcomes. Yet, Buddhism in Ladakh flourished after the Kushans dominated the area in the 1st to 2nd century AD. One prominent representation is the Kanika Stupa in the Zanskar Valley. Despite this, Buddhism’s presence in Ladakh waned following the decline of the Kushans. When Ladakh was incorporated into the Tibetan Empire during the 7th century, the Tibetan emperor Songstan Gampo encouraged Buddhist propagation within his territories, a practice that his descendants carried on. Buddhism experienced a short period of prosperity in the 8th century but eventually collapsed due to civil strife.
Rise of Ladakh Monastery
In the 11th century, King Yeshe-O of Guge resurrected Buddhism in Tibet, also known as the Second Diffusion of Buddhism. Several Buddhist monasteries were established across Ladakh in the process. The building of these monasteries in Ladakh is credited to Rinchen Zangpo, an impressive scholar, in the service of the Dharmaraja—The Noble King. He was responsible for the translation of other Sanskrit scriptures, as well as the building of Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. The early monasteries were affiliated with the ancient Kadampa sect, such as Likir Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Spituk Monastery. During the reign of King Lhachen Ngosdup Gon, young monks in Buddhism were dispatched to Tibet for Buddhist philosophical studies.
Famous Ladakh Monastery
Hemis Monastery
Known as the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, Hemis is famed for its 2-day religious annual Hemis Festival Ladakh celebrating Guru Padmasambhava. The Ladakh monastery is located approximately 45 km from the capital city of Leh. It features a museum that showcases a diverse collection of Tibetan books, Thangkas, gold statues, and stupas adorned with precious stones, weapons, and carriers. This renowned Leh monastery follows the Drukpa Lineage of Buddhism. The Drukpa Lineage of Buddhism is a prominent sect within the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its emphasis on meditation practice and the teachings of its founder, Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje.
Shey Monastery
Shey was the old capital of the upper Ladakh region. In 1655, the Shey Palace and Monastery were built under the directive of Deldan Namgyal, in memory of his late father, Sengge Namgyal. The Buddhist monastery in Leh is just 15 kilometres away from the capital city, situated on the road from Leh to Thiksey Monastery. The Leh Ladakh monastery is noted for its giant seated copper with a gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and is said to be the second-largest statue in Ladakh. The golden Buddha is 12 metres tall covering three floors of the monastery. You can find several beautiful wall paintings on the topmost floor, the floor below is a library where manuscripts are stored and the walls are decorated with murals of Buddha. You can join our Ladakh tour packages to experience Shey Palace and Monastery along with many more hidden gems of Ladakh.
Thiksey Monastery
Perched on a hilltop, Thiksey Monastery houses an impressive two-story statue of Maitreya Buddha and the serene setting makes the morning prayers here a must-experience. Situated on a hillock that overlooks the majestic Stok Range and Indus Valley, this Ladakh monastery demands a bit of climb which is completely worth the effort. The disciples of Lord Tsongkhapa, founded Thiksay Monastery in 1433 AD, fulfilling a prophecy about the spread of Gelugpa teachings along the Indus River. The establishment of Thiksey Monastery was followed by other Buddhist monasteries like Spituk and Likir Monasteries.
Suggested read: Best Places to Visit in Ladakh
Diskit Monastery
Located in the Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery or Diskit Gompa is the largest Ladakh monastery. Established in the 14th century, it is affiliated with the Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism and is a sub-gompa of the Thiksey monastery. It’s famous for its 106-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha which overlooks the Shyok River, and the lofty mountains that offer a spectacular view. This Buddhist monastery hosts the Diskit Gustor Festival, featuring cham dances, a traditional Tibetan Buddhist performance. While you are here you can also plan a visit to the Balti village in Turtuk and experience the distinct culture and life of the people. An offbeat tourist attraction spot in Ladakh which is just a small drive away from Diskit.
Alchi Monastery
Unlike other monasteries perched on hills, Alchi is located on flat ground. It is famous for its ancient wall paintings, which are among the oldest Ladakh monastery, showcasing a distinctive fusion of Indian and Tibetan artistic styles. Managed by Likir monks, this Buddhist monastery in Ladakh serves as a centre for worship and study, founded by the renowned Guru Rinchen Zangpo in the 11th century. Nestled in a lush setting along the Indus River, the village of Alchi, located about 70 km west of Leh district, boasts lush greenery and apricot trees lining the roads. The area is adorned with intricate wood carvings, grand Tibetan Buddha statues, and historic wall paintings depicting Buddha’s teachings, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery is known for its collection of Buddhist artefacts and the annual Gustor Festival. This Ladakh monastery is located 8 km away from the main city of Leh. The Ladakh festival is held during the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar where the sacred mask dance, or Cham Dance, is performed by the Lamas. This Buddhist monastery in Ladakh offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley, enhancing its serene and spiritual ambience. Spituk was built during the 11th century, also known as Pethup Gompa, it is home to 100 monks as well as a giant statue of goddess Kali, which is shown to the public during the yearly Spituk festival.
Korzok Monastery
Korzok Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that belongs to the Drukpa Ancestry. The Ladakh monastery in Ladakh in the Changthang region is a 153-year-old Tibetan Buddhist monastery first built on the banks of the Tso Moriri River and it is situated in the Korzok village that has a population of around 1300. There are almost 70 Monks in the monastery. The founder of Korzok Gompa was Kunga Lodro Ningpo. A permit is very important for entry into the city. The visitors can stay in tents on the banks of the most famous lakes in Ladakh, Tso Moriri. The monastery is positioned to the southeast of Leh. Korzok Gompa is also known as Langna Rinpoche.
Phugtal Monastery
This Buddhist monastery in Ladakh was established in the 12th century and it is situated around a natural cave in the mountain range beside Lungnak, a tributary of the Zanskar River. Phugtal Monastery has been a place of interest for sages, scholars, translators, and monks for approximately 2,550 years. Phugtal Gompa was undiscovered by many until the 19th century. The monastery marvellously resembles a honeycomb clinging to the cliff, the view from this Buddhist monastery involves overlooking the curving valley and the shimmering blue-green river flowing below. Phugtal allows a stay in Ladakh monastery and also has a satellite phone and internet access near the premises.
Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru Monastery was home to over 500 resident Buddhist monks in the early days who dedicated themselves to studying, contemplating, and practising the teachings of Buddha in general and the teachings of the Mahasiddhas Tilopa and Naropa in particular. However, in 1834, Ladakh faced an invasion that led to the tragic massacre of many monks at Lamayuru Monastery, resulting in its destruction and the looting of valuables, with only a handful of monks surviving. Upon their return, they encountered the Buddhist monastery in ruins and struggled to resume spiritual activities due to limited resources. The people of Lamayuru moonland came together to assist in the restoration of the monastery and the continuation of Dharmic rituals. The terrains off Lamayuru are also very special, they resemble the craters of the moon, the rugged rocks in a palette of grays and browns enhances the lunar illusion, making it seem like the distant celestial body.
Explore Ladakh with JustWravel’s Bike and Backpacking Trip Packages to Ladakh
Though there are a bunch of Ladakh monastery that you can visit, adding several to your Leh Ladakh itinerary may not be a feasible choice. A better way to experience Ladakh’s spiritual places could be strategizing what best suits your liking while also choosing and covering the best gompas in Ladakh. One can also choose to stay in Ladakh monastery, which will help you have a wholesome experience at Buddhist monasteries while also trying meals served there too.
Another thing to keep in mind is to plan your Ladakh trip according to the festivals in Leh Ladakh you wish to attend, you can skim through this month-wise best time to visit Ladakh list to know what time would be best for you to take a trip to Ladakh without missing out on these vibrant Buddhist festivals.
FAQs
What is the name of the famous monastery of Ladakh?
The most famous Ladakh monastery is the Hemis Monastery. Known for its rich cultural heritage and the vibrant Hemis Festival, it is a must-visit for travelers. Other notable monasteries include Thiksey Monastery, renowned for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and Lamayuru Monastery, famous for its lunar-like landscapes.
Can we stay in a monastery in Ladakh?
Yes, visitors can stay in some monasteries in Ladakh, such as Hemis and Thiksey, which offer basic accommodation for a spiritual experience. Lamayuru Monastery also provides unique lodging amidst its moon-like surroundings.
Which monastery is near Pangong Lake?
The nearest monastery to Pangong Lake is the Spangmik Monastery, offering serene views and a peaceful atmosphere. This monastery provides a spiritual retreat close to the stunning blue waters of Pangong Lake.
Which monastery is in the Leh market?
The Leh Palace Monastery, located near the Leh market, offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. This monastery provides a unique blend of history and spirituality right in the heart of Leh. For more insights on visiting Leh and its monasteries, read our Leh travel blog and explore our Leh tour packages.
What is the oldest monastery in Ladakh?
The oldest monastery in Ladakh is the Alchi Monastery, dating back to the 10th century, known for its ancient wall paintings and unique Kashmiri influence. Lamayuru Monastery is also one of the oldest, with a history dating back to the 11th century.
